Police search Tunbridge Wells garden after human remains tip-off

Detectives are searching the gardens of a house following information that human remains may be buried there.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate began a detailed forensic examination of the gardens of a three-bedroom semi-detached property in Rankine Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, this morning after receiving intelligence relating to a possible crime committed in the late 1950s in which a young woman died.

A Kent Police spokesman said it was important to stress that the family living at the address is not connected to the investigation. They have moved out of the property while the work takes place.

Detective Inspector Lee Whitehead, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "We are today beginning the search at 48 Rankine Road and I do not know at this time how long the search will take.

"We are focusing on this property after receiving information that human remains may be buried in the garden from a possible offence dating back to the late 1950s.

"It is important to see whether this piece of information will in fact lead us to a historical crime which was never reported to police at the time."

Officers have received specialist assistance from the Home Office Scientific Development Branch and from forensic scientists working within the Directorate.

A mobile police station will be sited in Rankine Road for the duration of the search. This will be open during daylight hours for anyone who has any concerns or information which they think may help detectives with their inquiries, a police spokesman said.

Anyone with information can also speak directly with detectives at the Directorate on 01622 654863, or they can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

PA